Damon Johnson is all about music, and all about Birmingham, too. A native of Macon, Ga., Johnson moved here in the 1970s to join the band Split the Dark, and he’s been a fixture ever since in bands like Brother Cane and Whiskey Falls and as guitarist for Alice Cooper (he still tours with him), Faith Hill, Sammy Hagar and others. These days, the father of five, who lives in Alabaster with is wife, Lynda, is also a principal player in the Black Jacket Symphony, which takes the stage tonight at Sloss Furnaces to re-create Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album. Before he does that, though, Johnson, 47, answers our Birmingham Exam and gives us some insight into his life ... including his role in a sad chapter of rock and roll history.

If I hit the lottery, the first thing I’d do is:Buy my own jet.If I was down to my last dollar, I’d:Be grateful for so many friendsThe star who would play me in the movie version of my life and why:Kurt Russell, because he played Wyatt Earp in “Tombstone.”My ideal date night would include:Dinner, drinks, lots of sexIf the TV is on at 2 a.m., I’m watching:ESPNIf you are on Twitter, you’ve just got to follow:My wife’s Twitter page, because she is certifiably out of her mind.My must-have snack in a movie theater is:Popcorn and Milk Duds, and they must be consumed together.If I was auditioning for “American Idol” or “The Voice,” my song would be:“Got No Shame” by Brother Cane. Because I wrote it and it’s a killer song.The first band I saw in concert:Ted Nugent & Thin Lizzy, Huntsville, August 1980Choose one:
Kate Jackson in “Dark Shadows”
Kate Jackson in “Charlie?s Angels”
Kate Jackson in “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”
Where in the world is Kate Jackson?Kate Jackson in “Charlie’s Angels.” Because she was HOT!The person I’m most often mistaken for:Alice CooperThe worst advice I ever received:“You have to use a traditional grip when putting.”Pick a Simpson:
Jessica
Ashlee
O.J.
Homer
Ashford & SimpsonI’m going with O.J., because that guy gets away with murder.In high school I was:Part nerd, part yuppie, part cool, all parts consumed with girls.The most famous person I ever became friends with:Alice CooperMy most recent eBay purchase:A box of bubble envelopes to ship CDs in.What do you like most about Birmingham?The food! There are so many killer restaurants in Birmingham. I can’t get to all of them.The first person I call when I have good news:My wifeMy most treasured belonging is:My truck.What you’ll always find in my glove compartment:Golf glove.My most embarrassing junk food:Oreo cookies (and I’m not embarrassed)If I could put together a dream concert, it would be:Jimi Hendrix, the original Thin Lizzy, Prince. Jimi and Phil Lynott of Lizzy are deceased. Prince is the total package. There is no comparison.If I were performing on stage, I’d love to do a duet with:SadeIf I wasn’t doing this job, I’d be:A psychologist, because my life is not normal. Therapy saved my life.Pick one:
Starbucks coffee
McDonald’s coffeeThe mermaid in the Starbuck’s logo is a witch doctor and draws me to her with her mind meld.My favorite TV reality show:“The Jersey Shore.”If I could live my life as someone else, it would be:Dave GrohlMy childhood nickname was:DJMy favorite “bad” movie is:“KISS Meets The Phantom Of The Park”When I’m working out, the song that gets me going is:“The Unrepentant” by Steve Earle.Pick one:
David Letterman
Jay Leno
Conan O?Brien
Craig Ferguson
Jimmy FallonCraig Ferguson. I’ve performed with Alice Cooper on Craig’s show 3 times. He’s a riot!One day, I hope to meet:StingLife would be better without:Tornadoes.I never travel without:My iPod, because music is my life.People would be surprised to know that I:Drove Ricky Nelson to the airport in Guntersville the day his plane crashed.
¥
¥The last book I read:“The 5 Love Languages.”A book I bought and have been intending to read for the longest time:“A Confederacy of Dunces.”My favorite website is:ESPN.comChoose one:
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
The Voice
So You Think You Can Dance“American Idol” is the only one of these that I’ve ever watched, so it wins by attrition.After a long day, I like to relax with a:
Martini
Cold beer
Cabernet
Herbal tea
Hot chocolate
Red BullIt’s a toss-up between cold beer and cabernet. If it’s a weekday, cabernet. Weekend, beer.My first job:Stock boy at grocery storeMy worst job:Hay bailingMy favorite cable channel:HBOChoose one:
Grey’s Anatomy
House, M.D.
Private Practice
HawthoRNe
Nurse JackieI’m on the road so much and performing at night. I never watch any of these shows.The best way to catch me is via:
Phone call
Text message
Email
Facebook
TwitterFor sure the best way is text message first. Email second.